Instant Headboard

How easy is this idea from the Ballard Designs catalog?  

They simply hung a tie top curtain on some metal wall hooks.  Although they show a headboard in the photo, the curtain itself would make a great instant headboard if you didn't have the money to purchase an actual piece of furniture.  I love the drama the fabric panel adds to the space!

Ticking Stripes

I must admit, I have been in the dark about ticking stripe fabric.  Yes, I have seen it before and know what it is, but just thought it was a print to be used when attempting to recreate a shabby chic, french country looking interior.  Apparently I was completely wrong in this assumption.

 

Ticking stripe fabric had humble origins.  A 1991 article from the New York Times states: "It was the stuff of brewers' and waiters' aprons, ladies' stays, an emperor's battle tent and feather-filled bedding: rough-hewn blue and white linen twill."  The article further states that Sister Parish was probably the first designer to use ticking stripe fabric on upholstery for her high end clients as early as the 1940's.  Who knew? 

 

Ticking stripe is now showing up everywhere and the key to giving it a modern feel is pairing it with great graphic fabrics.  Here are a few ideas:

 

Mix it up with a suzani, ikat, velvet, and monograms a la Jamie Meares (the sofa is for sale at Furbish).

 

 

 

Holly Mathis chose a bold color ikat print.

 

 

Large scale botanicals do the trick over at Honey Dearest.

 

 

 

A beautiful floral pattern accents this unique chair.

 

 

Toile and stripes are at home on this sofa.

 

Here's how to recreate these looks for your home:

 

In the bathroom:

shower curtain + floral rug

 

 

 

 

In the living room:

French chair + paisley fabric pillow

 

 

 

In the bedroom:

ticking stripe pillows + patterned sheets

 

 

 

 

In the dining room:

drapes + upholstered dining chairs

 

 

 

In the kitchen:

 

dish towels + measuring cups

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



The Plan

So I have a new plan for my life and career.  Here it is:

1) Become a famous super model

2) Marry a rock star

3) Launch my own line of textiles for Calico Corners

The inspiration:

IMAN (she worked this plan also)

Things I am lacking:

1) A super model face and body

2) Access to rock stars who are potential husbands (I'm also already married so that could be a problem too)

3) Although I could probably design textiles, Calico Corners has no clue who I am because of my lack of super model status (see #1)

Seriously, I was browsing through the fabrics in Calico Corners the other day and ran across Iman's fabric collection.  I think it has been out since last year but I had not seen/heard of it yet.  The fabrics were so rich, exotic, and beautiful and I was impressed.  I wanted to decorate a room around them.  Here are my picks:

These are all on sale right now at Calico Corners.